Sometimes living at home is not an option as we get older. Some may require additional care and medical tasks on a daily basis. It may simply not be safe to live at home. When any amount of additional assistance is needed, it is best to evaluate all of the possible living options. There are many different types of retirement homes and assistive retirement communities available to seniors. The specific type of community that works best for one person will depend on the level of assistance that is required in their day to day life.
Minimal assistance
Sometimes only a small amount of assistance is needed. The senior may require medical assistance that cannot be given in their home. A senior?s family members may simply feel more comfortable knowing that there are staff and medical professionals available in the event of an emergency. Seniors in a minimal living community, such as an independent living home may not actually receive any assistance at all. They may simply live in a community that has easy access to needed resources.
The retirement homes may be similar to independent homes, but are placed into a secure senior community. Employees of the community may visit the seniors on a daily basis, or as needed. There may be transportation available to the senior main house where a variety of activities are provided. Seniors may have the opportunity to eat meals together in the main senior house, but may also choose to make meals on their own in their own living area.
Moderate assistance
Moderate assistance types of retirement homes are often needed when the senior requires some type of daily care. This could include post operative care or it could be the daily care of a medical condition. Moderate care may also be used for those developing the symptoms of dementia or Alzheimer?s disease. In this type of a setting, seniors may live in closer quarters, but are still given a level of independence.
A moderate amount of assistance types of retirement homes will often include help with daily activities. Seniors are likely to be provided their meals. They may be encouraged to participate in activities to increase their enjoyment. The happiest retirees engage in three to four activities regularly, the least happy, only one or two. This type of living arrangement is the most common of the elder care options.
Maximum assistance
Some seniors require around the clock care for safety. The assisted lifestyle usually involves a nursing home setting. Assisted living residences at this level typically provide or coordinate 24 hour supervision, three meals a day plus snacks in a group dining room, and a range of services that promote resident quality of life and independence, including personal care services, health care services, medication management, social services, arrangements for transportation, laundry service, and housekeeping and maintenance.
Nursing homes provide the most assistance to seniors and are also probably the safest option. Seniors have the benefit of having someone 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. If there is a medical concern, it can be taken care of immediately. This is a great option for personal care for seniors who require extra daily medical assistance. It can also be beneficial for seniors who have recently had medical procedures done and are unable to do any of their normal daily tasks for themselves.
Regardless of the types of retirement homes that seniors choose, most find satisfaction in this type of a living arrangement. According to the 2009 Independent Living Report by the ProMatura Group, LLC, research shows that when you become part of an independent living retirement community, you are more likely to make new friends and try new things, most report a better experience than they expected.